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TOWN of LEXINGTON $ ;
Report of the Comiittee on Colonial Architecture for Town uildi .gs.
On June 1, 1950 it was voted:-
"That the moderator be authorized and is hereby directed to
appoint a committee of five consisting of a resident
architect, a member of the School Committee, a member of
the Planning Board, and two other residents of the town
to make a study as to the advisability of establishing a
policy of using colonial architecture only, in the designing
of future town buildings, and to recommend a method by which
the policy if adopted could be carried out."
Arter a number of meetings and some research, this committee
became unanimous in its opinion that because of Lexington' s
importance in the early history of the United States it is
desirable and fitting that colonial architecture be retained
in the town buildings whenever it is possible to do so
without destroying the utility of the building. However,
the term "Colonial Architecture" was thought to be too
confining and should be broadened to "Colonial Influence"
instead which would accomplish the desired results with less
danger of interfering with the designs for utility.
The committee has found that Chapter 146, Section 1 to 7 of
the General Laws of Massachusetts provides for the establish-
ment of an "Art Commission" so called, which possibly could
be a solution to the method of applying the policy if it was
to be followed. This commission would have the authority to
pass on any plans for municipal buildings, monuments, etc.
and although it would not be legally bound to demand colonial
influence in the design, it would be aware that its conception
was brought about by the desire of the people to retain colon-
ial influence, and would probably be motivated by this aware-
ness to act in accordance with the desires of the people.
However, this committee feels that further study of this law is
necessary, and requests that this report be accepted as a report
of progress and begs continuance until a later meeting at which
a full report will be made.
Sited --
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